I could go on for hours, how modern metal is this and that, and often very shit. But I guess many of you know it. Medicated from Finland play modern-sounding metal, but are an exception to the rule. And these exceptions are bloody rare, let me tell you...

Medicated's alloy includes melodic death and thrash elements' derivations, and one which so typically features in modern metal: Metalcore, and now it's about heavier side of it. While many bands carrying that metalcore influence usually sound very similar to each other, which is because of that that they do not have any character to incorporate into their sound, Medicated beg to differ. Rhythmically varying, from fast thrashings to grooving beats, Medicated are hard to be resisted, if you want driving, energetic stuff. Add to that those catchy, close to poppy, choruses and voilà... They also incorporate a touch of melancholy, as is familiar for Finnish bands. Medicated do not belong to the list of toughest bands of this ilk, but neither do they belong to the list of wimpiest. Medicated should sink, in brief, for the fans of Finns Survivors Zero and Stam1na, as well as Swedes Soilwork and Sonic Syndicate.

The performances from instrumentalists are very good and precise, which is nothing new for a Finnish band anyways. So, get ready for something else than straight and "easy to guess what comes next" playing. Gruff and throat ripping angry vocals from Aleksi Sihvonen (ex-Imperanon), who handles vocals also in Norther nowadays, are adequate, but clean singing, albeit characteristic, is inferior as it really does not fit with the music. Recorded at the band's rehearsal place, it does not sound like that. At all! Suitably heavy, as well clean, production is filled with some tasty intricacies, which is a big surprise for this kind of product.

So, if you want some catchy, but still heavy modern-sounding metal, this third output from Medicated isn't a bad investment at all. We will hear more from these guys, that's for sure.

Rating: 7+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
02/01/2012 23:21